MARTIN WEITZMAN, NCRW, RPBS, IJCTC
(800) 967-3846
resumepro
http://executiveresumewriter.com

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF GILBERT RESUMES, FEATURING TIMELY CAREER ARTICLES, CAREER WEBSITES, AND SUGGESTIONS FOR TODAY’S JOB SEEKERS.

Execunet’s Job Market Intelligence Report

Companies across the U.S. economy and in every industry learned some tough lessons during the “great recession.” But as they entered 2011, many had also learned how to maximize productivity, mitigate risk and stretch management capability and creativity as never before.

Buoyed by slow but continuing economic recovery, more employers are starting to focus on growth and beginning to fill gaps in executive performance by selectively recruiting for new management positions, “trading up” with new hires for existing leadership roles and working to retain high performers at every level.

Yet, while they are increasingly taking steps to capitalize on future growth potential and the yield of high productivity from business streamlining, companies are also clinging to what they learned from the recession and keeping one eye rearward should recent history loom to repeat itself.

Having banked cash reserves as a fiscal precaution, companies continue to demonstrate restraint when it comes to making fresh investments. While cash was king during the darkest days of the global financial crisis, the corporate focus today is clearly on growing revenue, maintaining expanded productivity, innovating and maximizing the financial contribution of smaller operating teams.  This focus on revenue is revealed in broad corporate demand for sales, business development and sales enablement leaders across the U.S. economy, and especially in dynamic industry segments from healthcare and biotech to high technology, energy and utilities and the emerging green tech and environmental services markets.

Equally positive, several sectors hit hardest by the recession – from consumer products to financial services and manufacturing – are rebuilding their management infrastructure to support business objectives. Unlike previous economic recovery cycles, employers have assumed the potential double jeopardy of balancing growth plans with conservative investment.

Download the full report here:  http://www.resumeportfolios.com/files/ExecuNet.pdf

Webinar by LinkedIn Guru Jason Alba
Author of I’m on Linkedin – Now What???

I am sponsoring a “how to” webinar by Jason Alba that will show you how to maximize your job search networking capabilities with LinkedIn. The webinar is limited to 100 participants. Each participant will receive a free copy of Jason’s $50 DVD, LinkedIn for Job Seekers, as well as a bonus Social Networking for Job Seekers (video of how to social networks could fit into your job search), also valued at $50.

The fee for this webinar and the two complementary videos is only $67.

Online Registration: https://www.JibberJobber.com/pay (once you register we will send you a link to the webinar).   Tuesday, May 17, at noon EST

Gilbert Resumes remains in the forefront of providing cutting edge solutions for today’s challenging job market, including strategies to build your online presence and maximize your career opportunities.

Need assistance with your career endeavors?

Resume Writing
LinkedIn Profiles
Recruiter and VC/Private Equity Distribution
Cover & Thank-You Letters
Biographies
Board of Director Resumes
Job Search & Interview Coaching
Online Identity Programs
Networking Training

Contact
Martin Weitzman
Certified Career Professional
Gilbert Resumes
800.967.3846
http://executiveresumewriter.com
http://resumepro.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/resumepro

MARTIN WEITZMAN, NCRW, RPBS, IJCTC
(800) 967-3846
resumepro
http://executiveresumewriter.com

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF GILBERT RESUMES, FEATURING TIMELY CAREER ARTICLES, CAREER WEBSITES, AND SUGGESTIONS FOR TODAY’S JOB SEEKERS.

Do You Use LinkedIn to Follow Potential Employers?

Most jobseekers think of LinkedIn as a tool to network with individuals. While LinkedIn is certainly useful for this purpose, it can also provide invaluable information about companies you want to target during your job search.

LinkedIn now allows you to follow all the activity related to a particular company. You can do this by searching for the company on the site and clicking “Follow Company”. This step adds the company’s activity to your news stream on LinkedIn in the same way that adding a connection adds their individual activity. This is an absolutely invaluable tool for keeping track of events at a company you’re targeting.

This information can give you a sense for whether the company is hiring at all and it allows you to see the backgrounds of the candidates who are landing jobs there. It can be frustrating to see who’s beating you out for particular positions but having that information is also priceless for knowing how to position yourself as a stronger candidate going forward. One more bonus: you can tell when someone was hired for a position even if the company doesn’t directly contact or notify you.

The Follow Company feature on LinkedIn also allows you to see how many other people are following that company. If thousands of people are keeping an eye on things, chances are good that you have a lot of competition for open positions there. Additionally, LinkedIn includes very useful information such as the average tenure of employees at the company, the male/female ratio of the staff, and the median age of employees. Larger companies sometimes even indicate which specific universities a high percentage of their staff attended.

The new Follow Company feature on LinkedIn is a great research tool for job seekers trying to find a creative way in to organizations that they otherwise may not have an open door to.

—Career Rocketeer

Gilbert Resumes remains in the forefront of providing cutting edge solutions for today’s challenging job market, including strategies to build your online presence and maximize your career opportunities.

Need assistance with your career endeavors?

Resume Writing
LinkedIn Profiles
Recruiter and VC/Private Equity Distribution
Cover & Thank-You Letters
Biographies
Board of Director Resumes
Job Search & Interview Coaching
Online Identity Programs
Networking Training

Contact
Martin Weitzman
Certified Career Professional
Gilbert Resumes
800.967.3846
http://executiveresumewriter.com
http://resumepro.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/resumepro

MARTIN WEITZMAN, NCRW, RPBS, IJCTC
(800) 967-3846
resumepro

http://executiveresumewriter.com

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF GILBERT RESUMES, FEATURING TIMELY CAREER ARTICLES, CAREER WEBSITES, AND SUGGESTIONS FOR TODAY’S JOB SEEKERS.

LinkedIn

It’s LinkedIn or it’s LinkedIn. When it comes to using social networking to find a new position, Linkedin has set the bar and is now the standard. There is no site that comes near it for job search networking and with over 100 million members and growing, it is “THE PLACE TO BE.”

An early adopter of Linkedin as a key component of enhancing my client’s job search capabilities, I have a network of almost 10 million connections and I invite you to leverage my network to expand your contacts. My email address for connecting with me is resumepro.

Webinar by LinkedIn Guru Jason Alba, Author of I’m on Linkedin – Now What???

I am sponsoring a “how to” webinar by Jason Alba that will show you how to maximize your job search networking capabilities with LinkedIn. The webinar is limited to 100 participants.

Each participant will receive a free copy of Jason’s $50 DVD, LinkedIn for Job Seekers, as well as a bonus Social Networking for Job Seekers (video of how to social networks could fit into your job search), also valued at $50. The fee for this webinar and the two complementary videos is only $67.

Online Registration: https://www.JibberJobber.com/pay (once you register we will send you a link to the webinar). Please comment on which webinar you want to attend, either Tuesday, May 17, at noon EST, or Wednesday, May 18, at 7pm EST.

What to Consider When Writing Thank You Notes

Saying thank you is an important part of the interview process. You are thanking your interviewer for being gracious with their time and considering you for an important role in their organization. Thank you note mistakes can ruin your chances to get that next job. Let’s take a look at some thank you note essentials.

Thank You Notes Must be Mistake-Free

Once you commit to writing a thank you note, it needs to be perfect. Grammar, spelling and punctuation are incredibly important. Have somebody else read it over if necessary. There are no excuses for mistakes on a thank you note and an error will hurt your chances of getting the job.

Thank you Notes Must be Unique to the Recipient

Writing a generic thank you note or the same note to multiple interviewers is tacky. At best, these notes fail to connect with the reader. At worst, your interviewers will share them and realize you didn’t take the time and effort to make them unique. Don’t fall into this avoidable trap. Instead, use the thank you note to forge a bond and give one last plug for how you think your skills fit the position.

Thank You Notes Must be Concise While thank you notes are vital, avoid notes that are too long; it shouldn’t be a book. A few short paragraphs will suffice! Consider this easy template.

1) Thanks for spending the time with me…

2) I am really interested for these reasons…

3) I think I am qualified for these reasons…

Also, it’s important to mention something unique about your interview, a mutual friend, mutual interests, or something humorous that may have happened during the meeting. Finally, let them know you are looking forward to next steps and possibly try to overcome any known objections in a sincere and honest fashion.

Thank You Note Form, Handwritten or E-Mail, Must Fit the Situation

Let’s say you write perfect and personalized thank you note. Does it matter if the hiring manager doesn’t read it in time? I know a candidate who did not get a job because her competition had sent a thank you note by email and she had mailed hers; the hiring manager thought she didn’t write a note.

This isn’t to say that email is always the way to go, but you should be mindful of the timing of thank you notes in your particular job search. Hand written notes are appropriate for job searches that take a long time. Email notes are appropriate when you are interviewing for a temporary role that is moving quickly. A good rule of thumb is to send an email unless you can mail out your handwritten notes within 24 hours. Some people even do both.

Saying thank you is important, but it needs to be done the right way. Make your thank you notes perfect, personalized, to the point, and be sure to send them in the right format for the particular job. These details could be just the thing to get that next job.

—Guest Expert Scott Foley, Career Rocketeer

Telephone Interview Tips

A phone interview sounds easy, doesn’t it? It’s not as easy as it seems though. You can blow a phone interview just as easily as you can blow an in-person interview. Dropped calls, background noise, not knowing about the company, and/or not being prepared to respond to interview questions can knock you out of the running. Review these tips for how to conduct a phone interview and what not to do when you’re interviewing via the telephone to make sure your phone interviews get you to the next step in the hiring process.

Create a checklist.

Review the job posting and make a list of how your qualifications match the hiring criteria. Have the list available so you can glance at it during the interview. Also have a copy of your resume in clear view, so you don’t have to remember what you did when.

Research the job and the company. The more prepared you are for the interview, the smoother it will go. Review answers to typical phone interview questions and think about how you’re going to respond.

Use a land line.

Unless your cell phone service is 100% all the time, use a land line instead of a cell phone. That way you won’t have to worry about dropped calls and getting disconnected.

Turn off call waiting.

If you have call waiting turn it off. The beep of an incoming call is distracting and can make you lose your focus. Interview in a private quiet space. That means securing a babysitter if you have small children at home and kicking the dog, the cat, and the rest of the household members out of your interview space.

Have a glass of water nearby.

There isn’t much worse than having a tickle in your throat or a cough starting when you need to talk on the phone. Take notes. It’s hard to remember what you discussed after the fact, so take brief notes during the interview.

Focus, listen, and enunciate.

It’s important to focus on the interview and that can be harder on the phone than in-person. Be sure to listen to the question, ask for clarification if you’re not sure what the interviewer is asking, and speak slowly, carefully, and clearly when you respond. It’s fine to take a few seconds to compose your thoughts before you answer.

Pay attention to body language.

This might sound strange, but your body language matters on the phone almost as much as it does during a face-to-face meeting. Focus on the interviewer, smile, and think positive. You’ll make a better impression.

Multi-task.

This won’t work for everyone, but if you can multi-task have the company’s website open in your browser, so you can quickly check for company information if it comes up in the conversation. Have questions to ask the interviewer ready. Be prepared to respond when the interview asks whether you have any questions for him or her. Review these questions to ask the interviewer and have a few ready in advance.

Follow up after the phone interview.

Ask for the interviewer’s email address, if you don’t already have it. Send out an email thank you note immediately, thanking the interviewer and reiterating your interest in the job. Use your thank you note as a way, as well, to provide information on anything regarding your qualifications you didn’t get a chance to mention during the phone interview.

Read the full article here: http://jobsearch.about.com/b/2011/04/10/telephone-interview-tips.htm

—Alison Doyle, About.com

How to Find a Quality Online Degree

While online degrees were once largely seen as being second-rate, recent studies have reported that employers are not only more open to, but are even showing a favorable sentiment toward candidates with online degrees these days.

One such study, conducted by Excelsior College/Zogby International, found that 61 percent of CEOs and small-business owners were familiar with online degree programs — and 83 percent of those considered online degrees equivalent to those earned in a traditional classroom.

Besides the increase in reputation these programs are experiencing, online degrees have also become so popular, that if employers were to disregard candidates with such degrees, they’d also be disqualifying a significant portion of the work force.

A recent study conducted by education marketing firm EducationDynamics shows that, since 1999, enrollment in online degree programs has increased nearly 1,000 percent; and, according to another study by Babson Survey Research Group, at least 4.6 million students in the United States were taking at least one online class during the fall 2008 term, the most recent period from which data is available. While online education has clearly come a long way in terms of both quality and reputation, some programs are still miles ahead of others when it comes to quality and — like with graduates of traditional universities — employers often take quality of education into account when making a hiring decision.

Unfortunately, the relative youth of online education can make it hard to distinguish a quality program from a degree mill; online universities are not yet included in the highly-regarded ranking systems like those produced by US News and World Report, the Princeton Review or Barron’s, and many online schools don’t have long-standing reputations that precede them. Though you won’t find an excess of third-party evaluations to help you choose a quality degree program, doing a little research on your own can help you find a school that will stand up to both your educational standards and an employer’s interview process.

Here are a few things you must know about choosing an online university:

Check accreditation

Accreditation means that a school has met a baseline educational standard, so if a school you’re considering isn’t accredited, it’s time to reconsider. The U.S. Department of Education maintains a searchable online database of accredited schools in the United States. Before enrolling, be sure to check that your school is on that list.

While most online universities will be accredited by some sort of agency, not all accreditations are created equal. Schools will be accredited by either a regional or national agency, and there is a difference between the certifications. If you’re thinking about continuing your schooling in the future at a traditional college, for example, then it’s best to choose a regionally accredited school, since most traditional universities are regionally accredited and only accept transfer credits and recognize degrees from other regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation agencies are broken down by geographic region. They are:

• Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges

There are plenty of regionally accredited online schools to choose from though, so finding one shouldn’t be too difficult. The University of Phoenix, Devry University and Kaplan University are all accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, for example (the same regional agency responsible for accrediting universities like Arizona State, Michigan State, Northwestern and Purdue).

If you’re applying to a technical, theological or vocational school, on the other hand, then it’s better to look for a nationally accredited program, since these agencies often specialize in a type of school (i.e. the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology) rather than a geographic area.

Read reviews

Since online degree programs aren’t typically included in published college rankings, you’ll have to look elsewhere for a third-party opinion of online schools. Some websites, like Online Education Database, have begun to rank schools based on things like acceptance rate, graduation rate, scholarly citations and student-faculty ratio. Additionally, the website CollegeChoicesForAdults.org lets you and compare and contrast 17 of the most popular online colleges, based on criteria including student demographics, student engagement and alumni outcomes.

Take your career path into account

If your goal in life is to become a doctor, for example, and you want to start your schooling at an online university, you may run into problems down the line. Most medical schools require students take a certain amount of lab-based courses — which can’t be done online, for obvious reasons. The same goes for other “hands-on” career paths.

While online learning may be a great way to get basic courses under your belt, you may want to transfer to a traditional university when it comes time for the technical stuff.

Pay attention to red flags

Many online universities are for-profit — and while that doesn’t necessarily reflect on the quality of the education provided, it’s still important to make sure that profit isn’t all a school is after before you enroll. According to the Better Business Bureau, warning signs that your online university may actually be a degree mill include:

• The school charges by program, not by course or credit hour.
• There is no physical address, or a P.O. Box is given as the mailing address. Even online universities need physical addresses, where the “back-end” operations are headquartered.
• More emphasis is placed on earning credits through “real-world” learning than on classroom time.
• The length of the degree program is significantly shorter than equivalent programs at other universities.

By applying the tips above to your online-degree research, you’ll be able to make an intelligent decision about your education.

—Source: ELearners

Gilbert Resumes remains in the forefront of providing cutting edge solutions for today’s challenging job market, including strategies to build your online presence and maximize your career opportunities.

Need assistance with your career endeavors?

Resume Writing
LinkedIn Profiles
Recruiter and VC/Private Equity Distribution
Cover & Thank-You Letters
Biographies
Board of Director Resumes
Job Search & Interview Coaching
Online Identity Programs
Networking Training

Contact
Martin Weitzman
Certified Career Professional
Gilbert Resumes
800.967.3846
http://executiveresumewriter.com
http://resumepro.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/resumepro

MARTIN WEITZMAN, NCRW, RPBS, IJCTC
(800) 967-3846
resumepro
http://executiveresumewriter.com

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF GILBERT RESUMES, FEATURING TIMELY CAREER ARTICLES, CAREER WEBSITES, AND SUGGESTIONS FOR TODAY’S JOB SEEKERS.

Top Job Search Strategies You’ve Probably Never Tried

1. Identify Your Target Industry or Field of Interest

- Most industries have multiple subfields and further, departmental differences between job descriptions, duties and responsibilities. Make sure you are aware of the variety of positions within each industry sector. Use the Occupational Outlook Handbook (www.bls.gov/oco/) to research job titles.

- Take some time to envision yourself performing each task – could you see yourself performing this task eight hours a day, five times a week?

A January 2010 Gallup Poll found U.S. job satisfaction at its lowest level in two decades. Make sure you are looking at all the data before you make the proverbial leap (Results of polls on job satisfaction are at odds, By Carol Morello, Wednesday, January 6, 2010)

2. Search for Jobs via Keywords

- Job search sites such as Indeed.com allow you to input keywords or phrases when searching for jobs. Expand your job search by viewing all industries that highlight a specific skill as a job requirement (i.e. typing in “analyst” pulls up jobs such as: “financial,” “systems,” “credit,” “economic,” “risk” and “military” analyst). By expanding your job search into different industries, you may find jobs requiring the same skill sets you already have while simply working with a different product.

- View a variety of job postings – even jobs where you do not meet the qualifications. Scan these job postings for keywords or “buzz words” that are vital job responsibilities. Use your collection of buzz words to refine your job search and define your ideal job.

Once you have defined your ideal job, begin incorporating the related buzz words into your resume and cover letter. Illustrate for employers your ability and interest in using necessary industry skills.

3. Research the Professional Associations and Organizations for your Field of Interest

- Professional associations are maintained by professionals. These sites are invaluable resources regarding industry trends and resources, accreditations or certifications, and industry publications.

- Use discussion or forum boards on these sites to ask questions, to stay abreast of industry current events, and to weigh in on industry issues. This knowledge can certainly benefit you in job interviews and additionally can benefit you when employers search your name prior to the interview and see your passion in your field.

- Many professional association Web sites also list upcoming webinars or seminar series to attend, which is another great way to stay current in the field.

Peruse the organization’s career center for research opportunities, internship and full-time positions.

4. Use Niche Job Boards

- Employers post positions on niche job boards to avoid being flooded with applications from unqualified candidates. Find these sites by searching “job search sites” in Google (i.e. “direct marketing job search sites”).

- Print out jobs of interest, stay organized and record your completion of each stage (i.e. updated resume, sent application, scheduled interview).

- Create an Excel spreadsheet tracking your job search, including information about job posting closing date, contact information, follow-up points of contact, job description buzzwords, and company mission and goals. Search smarter, not harder. Updating this information throughout your search will keep you prepared as employers begin calling for interviews.

You can even create an Excel sheet of the list of niche job boards you find. Create a schedule for yourself of dates and times you check each site to help avoid searching certain sites too often.

5. Use your City’s Chamber of Commerce Web sites or LinkedIn to Directly Search for Ideal Employers

- Many job boards cost employers money, leading them to post job openings solely on their own human resources Web site. Therefore it is crucial to identify and target specific employers and consistently check their human resources department Web site directly.

- Even when employers post positions on job boards, make sure to view the position opening as it is written on the company’s human resources page. Frequently, employers will list additional application requirements about the positions they post on their website only. By doing this, employers can easily identify which candidates have done their research on the company.

—Career Rocketeer

Gilbert Resumes remains in the forefront of providing cutting edge solutions for today’s challenging job market, including strategies to build your online presence and maximize your career opportunities.

Need assistance with your career endeavors?

Resume Writing
LinkedIn Profiles
Recruiter and VC/Private Equity Distribution
Cover & Thank-You Letters
Biographies
Board of Director Resumes
Job Search & Interview Coaching
Online Identity Programs
Networking Training

Contact
Martin Weitzman
Certified Career Professional
Gilbert Resumes
800.967.3846
http://executiveresumewriter.com
http://resumepro.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/resumepro

MARTIN WEITZMAN, NCRW, RPBS, IJCTC
(800) 967-3846
resumepro
http://executiveresumewriter.com

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF GILBERT RESUMES, FEATURING TIMELY CAREER ARTICLES, CAREER WEBSITES, AND SUGGESTIONS FOR TODAY’S JOB SEEKERS.

15 Tips for the 50+ Job Hunter

If you were born between 1946 and 1964, you are known as a Baby Boomer and you are somewhere between 46 and 64. In my practice, I work with a multi-generational client base, including many Boomers.

If you are 25, 35, 45, 56, 64, 74, or 84, in my opinion, you are not too old to find w – o – r – k or a j – o – b as long as you have:

* the drive to do so;

* the will to want to;

* and the guts and the grit to go fishing in a competitive, global, turbulent, and ever-evolving pond! And should you elect to cast your line into X, Y, or Z waters, perhaps you will check your tackle box for the right bait:

1. Passion! Let others see it, hear it, feel it, get it, notice it, enjoy it!

2. Energy! Act like you have some and lots of it! Do not yawn during interviews or tell people how tired you are or that you are exhausted.

3. Enthusiasm! Bring it, show it, offer it, deliver it!

4. Let It Go! Don’t look back at what didn’t go your way; instead, today is a new day.

—–>>> Press on! Move on! Go forward —–>>>!

5. Think differently! Instead of thinking about your age and how ‘old’ you are, why not reconsider that you’re ‘still above ground’ and that you have an immense body of talent to share!

6. Engage! Connect with purpose and intention; add an abundance of the above numbers 1, 2, 3 into conversation to keep the listener listening!

7. Attire/Appearance! Dress professionally, appropriately and well for the job you want. Maybe it’s time for that makeover you’ve been thinking about!

8. Attitude! While you cannot control you age, you can control your attitude; how will the employer gauge yours?

9. Language! Carefully select the best words to deliver the message you wish to convey about yourself, your brand. Figure this out ahead of time so you have specific ideas of what you would like to share about yourself in support of the j – o – b you would like.

10. Technology! Instead of saying ‘something a bird does’ if you’re asked about a ‘tweet’, educate yourself about social media and its impact on job search. Do not take yourself out of the game because of technology — you are never too old or too young to learn!

11. Partner/Collaborate. Learn from all ages of people. Regardless of your generation, learning is learning. Here’s something I learned from a Millennial over the week-end, for example: www.bookrenter.com.

12. Volunteer! Whether you’re employed or unemployed and 22 or 82, helping others and serving others knows no age.

13. Experiment! Try something new; try something different; take a calculated risk and see what you learn; see where it takes you!

14. Keep dreaming! Dreaming doesn’t stop because you turn ___ (fill in age), unless you let it! Whether you are 22 or 73, build a bucket list and start doing!

15. Stay active! As long as you are able, stay active always and in all ways!

Consider the wisdom of George Eliot: “It is never too late to be what you might have been.”

—Career Hub

Job References: Don’t Lose at the Finish Line

The purpose of providing references is to close the deal. It isn’t to discover if you are telling the truth about your dates of employment, verify that you’ve demonstrated the proper skills for the job, or even to assure the hiring authority that he’s making the right decision to hire you — though each reason contributes.

If a company is having difficulty deciding which of two individuals to make an offer to, references are usually the deciding factor.

What constitutes a reference? Primarily, people to whom you have reported in your previous jobs. In some industries, providing a reference from outside the company – trades, vendors, or long-time customers – supplies an additional perspective that a former employer cannot.

By their very nature, generic references are positive – or they wouldn’t have been written and handed to the departing employee. Employers want to speak to the reference themselves and ask their own questions – without the candidate knowing what was said.

If you want your references to help you close the sale, you need to help them. The standard method of most reference preparation goes as far as the job seeker calling the references and asking each person if he’ll act as one, then failing to cue them in during the process as to who will be calling.

Some candidates don’t even think to track down their references and ask for permission. The names and numbers are simply listed on a sheet of paper and given to the hiring authority. Would you like to know how many times I was provided with contact information to find the person was long gone from that company?

Additionally, failing to provide the person with a copy of your most recent resume so that he has both your dates of employment and your accomplishments in front of him when the hiring authority calls is to deal yourself the ultimate wild card. And failing to tell your reference about the position for which you’re interviewing and what the company is looking for in their new hire compounds that. When you provide this additional information, you not only prompt his memory, but you give him information with which to work. It helps him speak directly to what you want addressed.

Now you’ve provided the prospective employer with verified information from a credible, objective and informed source.

All of this is equally applicable if you were fired. Under most circumstances, truth is the only path, and making sure that a reference doesn’t backfire on you is all the more reason to contact that supervisor. Just because a person or company isn’t on your reference list, doesn’t mean people don’t “know” others in that same industry.

It’s difficult to summon the courage to ask your previous employer to provide you with a reference when you were fired. But many of those references come out better than you’d suppose; the only negative tends to be the one surrounding the reason you were discharged.

Put the extra work into helping your references be a reference. Why gamble and leave the home stretch to chance?

—Career Rocketeer

Gilbert Resumes remains in the forefront of providing cutting edge solutions for today’s challenging job market, including strategies to build your online presence and maximize your career opportunities.

Need assistance with your career endeavors?

Resume Writing
LinkedIn Profiles
Recruiter and VC/Private Equity Distribution
Cover & Thank-You Letters
Biographies
Board of Director Resumes
Job Search & Interview Coaching
Online Identity Programs
Networking Training

Contact
Martin Weitzman
Certified Career Professional
Gilbert Resumes
800.967.3846
http://executiveresumewriter.com
http://resumepro.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/resumepro

MARTIN WEITZMAN, NCRW, RPBS, IJCTC
(800) 967-3846
resumepro
http://executiveresumewriter.com

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF GILBERT RESUMES, FEATURING TIMELY CAREER ARTICLES, CAREER WEBSITES, AND SUGGESTIONS FOR TODAY’S JOB SEEKERS.

Wishing You & Yours a Joyous Holiday Season!

Rebound in Executive Job Creation Reveals Corporate Growth Plans

ExecuNet’s benchmark Executive Job Creation Index (EJCI) held positive for an eleventh consecutive month in November as executive recruiters reported employers are encouraged by improving economic indicators and plan to create more management jobs over the next six months.

The number of employers expected to add executive jobs during that time topped those planning to eliminate or postpone filling top roles by 21 points, a 12-point gain from October and a signal that more companies will recruit executive talent to rebuild their management teams and realize their 2011 strategic growth objectives.

 

“ExecuNet’s index is a recognized leading indicator of economic growth, and combined with positive GDP trend lines, increased consumer confidence and other favorable economic reports, it seems the tide is finally turning in favor of more significant executive hiring activity as companies prepare to tackle 2011 business priorities,” says Mark Anderson, president and chief economist of ExecuNet.

“ExecuNet has seen a 30 percent gain in private executive job postings for the exclusive consideration of our members in the past month over November 2009. We continue to see high-tech and healthcare companies doing some of the most aggressive executive hiring,” he added.

One executive member reported his relocation to Alaska where he accepted a management role after two years of unemployment in Michigan, and another who made a fast transition to an executive role after seven weeks of membership. Executive recruiters who leverage ExecuNet’s membership to develop candidates for executive search assignments have increased their outreach to members by 55 percent over the past year.

In November, executive recruiters were confident that the prospects for new management hiring will be positive, as 61 percent were confident the executive employment market would improve over the next six months.

Recruiter Confidence Jumps Amid Positive Economic Indicators

Executive recruiters are gaining confidence that economic growth, increased consumer spending, and growing investor confidence will weigh positively on business objectives — and management hiring plans — over the next six months.

In November, 61 percent of the 147 search firm respondents to ExecuNet’s benchmark Recruiter Confidence Index expressed they were either “confident” or “very confident” the executive employment market will improve during that time, based on their read of corporate hiring plans stretching well into 2011.

Confidence in the Executive Employment Market Next 6 Months

That was up six points from the October index data, and in line with a significant rise in overall executive job creation forecasts likewise registered in November.

Introduced in May 2003, ExecuNet’s Recruiter Confidence Index is based on a monthly survey of executive search firms and recognized as a leading indicator for the economy and the executive job market. A reading above 50 percent indicates recruiters are “confident” or “very confident” the number of executive search assignments launched by employers in the next six months will increase.

Gilbert Resumes remains in the forefront of providing cutting edge solutions for today’s challenging job market, including strategies to build your online presence and maximize your career opportunities.

Need assistance with your career endeavors?

Resume Writing
LinkedIn Profiles
Recruiter and VC/Private Equity Distribution
Cover & Thank-You Letters
Biographies
Board of Director Resumes
Job Search & Interview Coaching
Online Identity Programs
Networking Training

Contact
Martin Weitzman
Certified Career Professional
Gilbert Resumes
800.967.3846
http://executiveresumewriter.com
http://resumepro.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/resumepro

MARTIN WEITZMAN, NCRW, RPBS, IJCTC
(800) 967-3846
resumepro
http://executiveresumewriter.com

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF GILBERT RESUMES, FEATURING TIMELY CAREER ARTICLES, CAREER WEBSITES, AND SUGGESTIONS FOR TODAY’S JOB SEEKERS.

Finding a Culture for Success

If you’ve ever found yourself in a company that doesn’t value your skills, you’ll appreciate the discussion on finding the right corporate culture for the skills you bring to an organization. In this post, we’ll take a quick look at how you can overcome a very common barrier for moving your career to the next level.

Job fit is fairly easy for the company and the individual to figure out; that is, you have the skills for the job or either the company feels they can teach you what you need to know. Organization or culture fit is much more difficult. It is essentially the alignment of beliefs and values of you and the company.

When companies interview candidates for hire, one would hope that they are asking questions that will assess both fits. Unfortunately, many companies don’t know what their values are. It’s fairly safe to say that many people that get involved in the interview process don’t fully understand their own company’s culture. Assessing whether you will fit or not is too difficult for most interviewers and usually doesn’t happen.

Defining your values. It is useful for you to have a good understanding of why you work. Sure, we all work for the money. But do you work for increasing technical challenge, higher levels of authority, or high visibility? One thing most highly educated professionals value is graduate degrees. The advanced degree is a tool for supporting the desire to do higher level tasks.

Other values that professionals seek are affiliation, autonomy, intellectual challenge, managing people, power, influence, prestige, recognition, security, variety and so on. If you want to achieve higher levels of success within someone else’s organization, you have to know your values and how you will use them.

To know what type of environment that you would thrive in, you must first understand what you value. If your values are not present in your environment, you won’t be happy. You’ll become restless and will make a change. Sometimes this change is a conscious move to another company or it can be a subtle transformation to self-defeating behavior that drives a wedge between you and the company, forcing them to remove you.
As mentioned earlier, ascertaining the values of a company from an interview is a big challenge. So maybe it isn’t the best place to look.

Consider your career goals to define the location for a values assessment.

At all levels of management, values are different, but most managers strive to be similar to the managers at the highest levels. Henry Mintzberg defined the Ten Managerial Roles in 1973, outlining the typical behavior for CEOs. Later on, Pavett and Lau (1983) performed similar studies of lower and middle level managers and found that they emulated the higher level managers.

To align your strengths and skills with an organization, you need to align them with the values of higher level management. If they value what you have, you will be more successful. If they don’t, you’ll have a difficult time becoming extremely successful. After all, people don’t like to change, especially if they value security.

Reaching your career goals in someone else’s organization is difficult. We often find ourselves in groups that don’t appreciate our skills and abilities. Of course, we don’t know what kind of culture we are in until we are neck deep in it. At that point, it can be painful and waste a lot of time trying to get out of the company and into a new one.

Read the full article here: http://www.careerrocketeer.com/search?q=Finding+a+Culture+for+Success

—Career Rocketeer

Personal Branding Basics

To me PERSONAL BRANDING is how you differentiate yourself from your competition and let people know how special you are.

So here are a few ways to establish a personal brand on your resume, online and in person.

1: Create a tag line that sums up who you are in one or two sentences.

For some it can be a very simple statement and for others something a little more innovative. Then place it at the top of your resume directly below your name and contact information separated by a double line. Here are 2 examples.

PPM \ PMO Manager

“Expertise developing process & methodology to manage a portfolio of 200 projects valued at $275M annually”
OR
Highly Skilled R&D Engineer

“Transforming your existing products and processes into ones your competition will envy”

2: Design a great business card that accentuates your brand

Depending on your field, you can be conservative, colorful or innovative. Whichever you choose, use both sides of the business card. Generally the front has your contact info and your brand, and on the back of the card place has an ad for what you have to offer.

There are several companies online who have professional templates to choose from, or will print your artwork for you at a reasonable cost. Zazzle and Vistaprint are two I know of. They can also print matching stationary, return labels, hats, tee shirts and other materials to help grow your brand.

3. Work on your public persona

Position yourself as an expert in your field by seeking public speaking engagements in front of target audiences. You can join civic and fraternal organizations which can help you solidify your bonifides and help you build your network.

4. Be a networking group leader

Join a group and become the most active member, or start your own live or online networking group in your field or community. Look at what interests similar groups and bring your name and expertise to the forefront by asking and answering relevant questions and exchanging job and networking leads with as many people as possible.

5. Create a public perception

Work on your social media profiles. Keep them current and relevant and make sure they show people more than just a boring “widget maker” looking for a job. Let your personality shine through. Set goals and a schedule of how many group responses you will reply to and how many tweets you will post each week.

6. Maintain your own blog

Blogging is a great way to establish your brand, show yourself as a subject matter expert and network to get other people to join and contribute.

7. Be open and available

Let people you know, as well as total strangers know that you are always available to help them by sharing your knowledge, your skills and your contacts with anyone who needs it. Get in the habit of Paying It Forward and you will see a lot of payback.

—Career Rocketeer

Gilbert Resumes remains in the forefront of providing cutting edge solutions for today’s challenging job market, including strategies to build your online presence and maximize your career opportunities.

Need assistance with your career endeavors?

Resume Writing
LinkedIn Profiles
Recruiter and VC/Private Equity Distribution
Cover & Thank-You Letters
Biographies
Board of Director Resumes
Job Search & Interview Coaching
Online Identity Programs
Networking Training

Contact
Martin Weitzman
Certified Career Professional
Gilbert Resumes
800.967.3846
http://executiveresumewriter.com
http://resumepro.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/resumepro

MARTIN WEITZMAN, NCRW, RPBS, IJCTC
(800) 967-3846
resumepro
http://executiveresumewriter.com

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF GILBERT RESUMES, FEATURING TIMELY CAREER ARTICLES, CAREER WEBSITES, AND SUGGESTIONS FOR TODAY’S JOB SEEKERS.

Dress for Success: What to Wear in an Interview

You’ve heard it before. Your first impression can make you or break you when it comes to a job interview. And when it comes to making a dynamic first impression, it’s key you dress for the job you want. Making sure you look the part not only packages you as a ready-to-hire employee, but it can boost your confidence as well.

Here are five things to keep in mind when you’re choosing the right outfit for your big day:

1. Err on the side of dressing up, not down.

It’s important in a job interview that you stay more conservative and look like a professional so the employer interviewing you sees you as one. Stay on the safe side. If you’re a woman, wear a solid-colored blouse, black pencil skirt or dress pants, and black heels. If you’re a guy, put on solid-colored dress shirt, a pair of button-down dress pants and polished shoes. If you’re wondering whether you should also wear a blazer and tie, look at the industry you’re in. If it’s more creative, the blazer and tie probably aren’t necessary. But if you’re interviewing at an investment firm, it’s mandatory. And again, it’s better to be over-dressed than under-dressed; it’s pretty hard to grossly overdress (at least for people with a decent amount of common sense), as most employers really appreciate the respect you showed by taking your interview seriously.

2. Good grooming is mandatory.

You don’t want to look like you just rolled out of bed after a night of partying. Take the time to fix your hair, trim your nails, iron your outfit and make sure nothing is out of place. You want the interviewer’s focus to be on you and not your bad breath and bed head.

3. Don’t distract.

Make sure when you’re planning your outfit that nothing is distracting to the interviewer. Keep in mind that employers interview multiple candidates for each open position, and if they’re too busy focusing on your bracelets clunking together, they’re not going to pay attention to what you have to say. It’s also a good idea to stay away from wearing a strong perfume or cologne. You want to leave a lasting impression, just not the kind that smells.

4. Keep comfort in mind.

Just because you dress up, it doesn’t mean you should sacrifice utility. It’s not uncommon after a job interview to have a tour of the office, and you don’t want to be the girl who can barely walk in her five-inch stilettos, or the guy who winces in pain with every step from a blister. Make sure the outfit you choose is comfortable because once it’s on, it should be the last thing on your mind.

5. Don’t forget the final touches.

It’s ok to add a little personality to your interview ensemble in the form of accessories, and it’s essential if you’re entering a creative industry where personality is king. Just make sure that the creative touches you add don’t distract. If you’re a man, a nice watch could add to your outfit. If you’re a woman, a sleek purse or pearl earrings might be the way to go.

Dressing for success isn’t all that difficult, and it could be a deal-breaker if you don’t pay attention to it. As long as you stay away from things that distract, lean on the conservative side and present yourself nicely, you’re positioning yourself for an interview that focuses solely on you. And if all else fails, turn on CNN or SportsCenter and copy what the anchors wear.

—Career Rocketeer

Notes from a Job Search: Creative Ways to Market Yourself

Once you get beyond the basics, how can you get noticed without being annoying?

With so many people caught between jobs these days, CFO asked Gary Starr, a CPA and MBA who was most recently CFO at a $70 million professional-service firm, to write about his current experience looking for a new position. In the third installment of a series, Starr looks at ways for job hunters to increase their visibility in some creative and unusual ways.

One of the trickiest aspects of a job search is finding different ways to market yourself. You need to make people aware of your skills and experiences without coming across as self-aggrandizing. This is not necessarily an easy task for financial executives, who typically don’t have a marketing mind-set about business issues or about themselves. However, it is important to change your mind-set and start thinking about creative ways to get noticed, besides just networking and sending e-mail updates. There are many ways to do this; here are a few suggestions.

Get Published

The most obvious marketing strategy for me is writing articles. I have begun to write about the search process for several online forums, giving helpful hints. In response to my articles, many people have reached out to me, including recruiters, old friends, and people who didn’t know me. I also posted a note about the articles on my LinkedIn profile, which helped with the exposure. We all have expertise and good knowledge about various topics; it’s just a matter of transferring the information into a compelling article or blog. Having exhausted the search tips, I am now thinking about my next subject, and I am energized by the challenge and possibilities.

If writing isn’t your passion, think about other ways you might leverage online media to raise your profile. For example, I noticed recently that someone on LinkedIn started a group called “150 Most Influential Recruiters” and invited all the recruiters who had been tagged with this honor by a major business publication. In two days, more than 20 recruiters signed up. That was a great idea and a smart way to get noticed. I wish I had thought of that!

Go Back to School

Finding opportunities at your alma mater could be a good way to get exposure. Consider taking or teaching a class, or volunteering at a high-profile alumni event. You might even ask the alumni office for people to contact or review the alumni list for networking possibilities. There are many opportunities here; you just need to find the right one for you.

Do Good Work

Volunteering your time at a nonprofit organization is a good way to help others and feel good about yourself. It may also allow you to display your expertise, especially if there is an opportunity to meet some of the board members. You might also register with BoardNetUSA, an online organization that matches individuals with nonprofit boards. I obtained my last job as a CFO through one of my nonprofit board connections.

Find the Fountain of Youth

Look for a start-up that needs help or find some part-time work. There are lots of groups and organizations for start-ups that could be good beginning points. New York City even provides space and desks for start-ups before they are able to go out on their own. I recently began working with a preseed start-up, and it has been an interesting and challenging experience. I am using my financial skills and connections, and I am learning a lot about the digital media space. I’m happy to take on any new projects that help me expand my nonfinancial skills. You may be able to negotiate some compensation for your efforts in either cash or equity, but don’t dismiss an opportunity if no money is involved; the experience and exposure can be invaluable. (By the way, the founder sought me out through my LinkedIn profile and connections. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is robust!)

The bottom line is that there are endless possibilities to market yourself; you just need to move outside your comfort zone. Getting involved in activities that allow you to meet other people, extend your network, show off your skills, keep busy, help others, and generally feel good about yourself is critical while you work through the lonely process of finding that next full-time opportunity.

—CFO.com

Gilbert Resumes remains in the forefront of providing cutting edge solutions for today’s challenging job market, including strategies to build your online presence and maximize your career opportunities.

Need assistance with your career endeavors?

Resume Writing
LinkedIn Profiles
Recruiter and VC/Private Equity Distribution
Cover & Thank-You Letters
Biographies
Board of Director Resumes
Job Search & Interview Coaching
Online Identity Programs
Networking Training

Contact
Martin Weitzman
Certified Career Professional
Gilbert Resumes
800.967.3846
http://executiveresumewriter.com
http://resumepro.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/resumepro

MARTIN WEITZMAN, NCRW, RPBS, IJCTC
(800) 967-3846
resumepro
http://executiveresumewriter.com

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF GILBERT RESUMES, FEATURING TIMELY CAREER ARTICLES, CAREER WEBSITES, AND SUGGESTIONS FOR TODAY’S JOB SEEKERS.

Job Search Fundamentals – Are You a Five-Tool Player?

One of the things our son’s baseball coach drilled into his players was:

“Learn the fundamentals!”

Be it baseball or job search, learning the fundamentals will serve you well in the long run, and in the short run. Of course, we all want to hit a home run and knock it outta’ the park as a participant in either of these games. For some, though, when it comes to the sport of job hunting, sometimes the fundamentals fall short and job seekers strike out trying to get on base. Consider these few tips below.

Fielding: Are you well positioned to be where the opportunities are or are you out in left field when you might have a better chance if you hustled more and moved from your spot? Are you coordinating the various elements of the job search with your teammates or are you trying to play the job hunt game solo? Are you a good team player and do you provide direct evidence of that at networking events and professional interviews? Do you anticipate tough questions or are you surprised when a tricky one comes your way?

Throwing: Throwing can be a key ingredient to your job search success. Have you thrown yourself into the job search process with a sustained positive, optimistic attitude? Are you demonstrating quickness and accuracy in job search activities? Are you throwing a good game using all of the resources, tools, and connections available to you? Are you using your time and talents wisely to throw your best game in an effort to snag a job? Are you showing control as you play the job-seeking game?

Speed: Are you using speed and agility to your advantage in the job search process? In order to improve your chances of scoring a job, are you doing your best to know your competition and do what you need to do to cover the job search landscape? Do you manage each day with the goal of achieving the maximum possible, or do you mosey along without much direction or motivation to win? Are you making sure your skills are current and up-to-date, not only in the social media realm, but in all facets of your career so you won’t get picked off base?

Hitting for Power: A five-tool job search player ‘must be able to hit for power.’ Does this well represent you and your brand? Do you have high slugging percentages when it comes to getting interviews and talking about the product — you – under duress and pressure? Are you tracking the statistics of your job search? Are you doing everything within your power and control to hit a home run on a consistent basis?

Hitting for Average: While hitting it out of the park is important, it is also important to strive for a ‘high batting average’ when it comes to interviewing, in particular. Stay patient. Be consistent. Don’t give up on yourself, or the game! It will most likely take you a few interviews before you land on home plate. Are you willing to embrace many different strategies to win the job? Are you open-minded and willing to change? Are you willing to seek out guidance and help to perfect your job search game, or do you already know all there is to know? What can you do today to improve your game and your chances?

In summary, are you a “can’t miss” job search player?

—Career Hub, May 2010, Billie Sucher

Follow Up, Follow Up, Follow Up!!!

“It’s been a week since my interview and I haven’t heard anything . . . ”

“I had a great informational interview but that was the last I heard . . .”

“I had a phone conversation with a good contact in the company . . .”

“I have almost 100 people I’ve networked with in my job search so far . . .”

“I met someone, at (an event) that said they knew someone, but haven’t heard back . . .”

“. . . should I follow up?”

I teach an 8-week class on job hunting skills, and these are the most common questions I’m asked regularly. And my response is always the same: YES!!!

“But I don’t want to annoy them, or come across as a stalker” . . . is a common reply.

In my experience, I’ve found that candidates think they are being annoying long before the recipient of their follow ups ever do. Professional, timely, pleasant follow up is key to setting yourself apart from other candidates they are pursuing.

Why should you follow up, and how do you do it effectively? Here are some ideas . . .

It’s a chance to set yourself apart. Even after a formal interview, generally less than 25% of people send a Thank You note.  Other meetings, phone calls, email contacts generally get little to no follow up from most people. Doing something different from the norm, in a professional and upbeat way, will virtually always create a positive impression. You have far more to lose by not doing it, than the infinitesimal risk of losing an opportunity by doing it. Especially if someone else does follow up, and you don’t, you will lose by comparison.

It’s another chance to cement a relationship. Whether it’s a casual networking contact, or a formal interview, the chances of gaining more consideration from them is very much dependent on building a relationship. If you only make an initial contact and they never hear from you again, it creates no reason on their part to invest any more thinking in helping or working with you. Building a relationship requires contact and effort in following up.

It’s another chance to mention something you may have forgotten before. Although you don’t want to launch into an in-depth explanation of something else in your background in a follow up… a succinctly worded phrase or sentence adding value to your earlier discussion can help in improving their impression of you. It’s another chance to provide additional or new relevant information.

Keep it brief! Too often, if someone does follow up, they either ramble on too long on the phone, or write too long in an email or letter. After the first minute of engaging in some way, patience begins to run out and there is either no chance of making a positive impact after that, or you are actually increasing the risk of annoying them. Even an extremely short “Just wanted to thank you again for your time” will have a more positive impact than 5 or 10 minutes of going further into in-depth information. That’s true in a phone call or written communication. It’s best to carefully plan exactly what you want to convey and say it as briefly as possible to make the best impression.

Be professional! Regardless of how friendly your meeting or prior discussion may have gone, never assume too casual a relationship. Even though a hiring manager wants to like you to hire you, or a professional networking contact enjoys talking to you, in order to take additional steps with you they need to feel confident that you will always be professional with others they introduce you to as well. The referral process, and the hiring process is still essentially a business transaction. Don’t take it too lightly.

Switch it up! Effective, and consistent follow up doesn’t mean a steady stream of phone calls every other day. That does become annoying. However, you can have some form of contact with them regularly to keep you fresh in their mind and build a further relationship with them in the process. Within a day of any of the scenarios listed at the top of this piece… Thank them. You might send them a Thank You card in the mail, or email a brief note, leave them a voicemail, or call and thank them for their time. Then, in a week or two, connect again, but in another form, and in two to 4 weeks again in yet another form. Keep the process going, but you end up actually talking to them directly only every couple of months.

If they are hearing from you regularly, but in various and unobtrusive forms, you are building a relationship, not haranguing them. Building that professional relationship has everything to do with their perception of your persistence, your follow through, your professionalism, and their interest in you.

Should you follow up??? Yes! Definitely! Absolutely!

. . but do it right!   

—Harry Urschel, e-Executives

Gilbert Resumes remains in the forefront of providing cutting edge solutions for today’s challenging job market, including strategies to build your online presence and maximize your career opportunities.

Need assistance with your career endeavors?

Resume Writing
LinkedIn Profiles
Recruiter and VC/Private Equity Distribution
Cover & Thank-You Letters
Biographies
Board of Director Resumes
Job Search & Interview Coaching
Online Identity Programs
Networking Training

Contact
Martin Weitzman
Certified Career Professional
Gilbert Resumes
800.967.3846
http://executiveresumewriter.com
http://resumepro.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/resumepro

MARTIN WEITZMAN, NCRW, RPBS, IJCTC
(800) 967-3846
resumepro
http://executiveresumewriter.com

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF GILBERT RESUMES, FEATURING TIMELY CAREER ARTICLES, CAREER WEBSITES, AND SUGGESTIONS FOR TODAY’S JOB SEEKERS.

Executives BEWARE: There’s No Margin for Error

You’re a seasoned professional and it has been at least 3 years since you needed to look for a new position, and the last time you changed jobs you were either recruited for the position or referred by someone you know.

Fast forward to the present; you’re unemployed, recruiters are not returning your phone calls, and today many of the people who recommended you for jobs in the past are your direct competition.

Sound familiar?

You have done your homework, gotten outplacement advice, and read every book there is, however I think you may need to hear this one more time to get it right, because there is no margin for error in conducting a job search in today’s economy.

So here is some strategic advice on how getting your job search into high gear.

1. Don’t go fishing: Target Where you want to go. Before you do anything you need to know what positions you qualify for in this new economy and make some tough decisions. Do you want to stay in the same field, or better yet can you? Where are you going, is your next job a step up, a step down or a lateral move. What do you want it to be and what is realistic financially, emotionally and career wise?

2. Define and Promote a Personal Brand: Your job search is worthless if you can not see your value to a new employer and devise creative ways to get this message across on paper, in person, and through all means of new social media. What is your specialty? Is it making money, saving money, is it your soft skills like leadership and management style, your contacts, or hard skills like accounting, closing deals, or strategic planning. Get a tag line that describes you and make it your brand. Here is an example

Senior Executive l Business Operations–Distribution–Logistics

“Expert in driving a business from where it is to where management wants it to be”

3. Get a Marketing Document instead of a Resume: This is a document that showcases and validates who you are and why it pays for a recruiter or decision maker to pick up the phone and call you to schedule an interview. It should be produced in a style and format that is best suited to your field, your level and your personality with out looking like a boilerplate document, and it should contain a mission statement, and at least 2 solid endorsements that will verify that you are as good as or better than you claim to be.

4. Round out your Portfolio: You should have a One Page Networking Bio; a social media presence that lets people see the total package you can deliver, and establish yourself as a subject matter expert on numerous topics within your field and industry.

5: Take Your Job Search Seriously: This means being honest with yourself and others about where you are willing to make compromises and where you are inflexible. It means trusting others to help you and not being a Lone Wolf. It means investing in your future and not being shortsighted about what you can and not do on your own.

6: Talk to an expert: Get their advice and assistance in evaluating where you stand at this point what it will take to get on the right path. This is the easiest part of your job search! You can call or email me and I will be happy to answer any questions you have.

—Career Rocketeer

How to Check Out a Company

Companies conducting background checks, Googling applicants, checking them out on Facebook, and finding out as much as they can about candidates for employment seems to be the norm, these days.

However, it works both ways. You can find out about companies, as well, to make sure the company is one you want to work for and the job is a good fit for your experience and skills.

LinkedIn Company Profiles are a good way to find more information on a company you’re interested in working for. You’ll be able see your connections at the company, new hires, promotions, jobs posted, related companies, and company statistics. One Day One Job has good information on digging dirt on employers, as well.

Visit GlassDoor.com to read company reviews, ratings, company information, salaries, CEO approval rating, competitors, content providers, and more company information.

Follow the company on Twitter to find out what information the company is sharing. Also, search Google, Google News, and Twitter using the company name, to see what’s comes up.

Also, there are warning signs to watch for, if you’re having reservations about whether this is the company for you.

Taking the time to research companies is a good idea, because it is as important for you to know that you want to work at a company as it is for the company to know they want to hire you. And it’s better to find out upfront, rather than finding out later that your new job wasn’t anything like you expected and you have to start your job search all over again.

—Alison Doyle, About.com

Gilbert Resumes remains in the forefront of providing cutting edge solutions for today’s challenging job market, including strategies to build your online presence and maximize your career opportunities.

Need assistance with your career endeavors?

Resume Writing
LinkedIn Profiles
Recruiter and VC/Private Equity Distribution
Cover & Thank-You Letters
Biographies
Board of Director Resumes
Job Search & Interview Coaching
Online Identity Programs
Networking Training

Contact
Martin Weitzman
Certified Career Professional
Gilbert Resumes
800.967.3846
http://executiveresumewriter.com
http://resumepro.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/resumepro